My daughter is 12 1/2 months now and she has not said her first word yet. She just does not seem to be interested. The developmental specialist told me that she should say a word in another month. She knows her body parts. If you call out the body parts, she will point to them. She will wave hi and good-bye so understands--she just interested in saying anything. She says ma ma, da da, ba ba, and things like that but no words. Has anyone experienced this?
Thank you everyone for your responses. She started to walk on her own on her 1st b-day so she is trying to gain confidence to walk on her more. I have been doing what some of you suggested, talking to her about what everyday, repeaat objects as I pick them. up. I also read and heard that kids that grow up in bilingual families, start talking a bit later. All your responses have put me to some ease. We have an appointment with the Ped. in 3 three weeks for weight check-in and I will inquire about a speech therapist. For now, I will enjoy her for who she is, a happy healthy girl, who lights up my days.
I think it's fine, My Pedi Dr said around 15mo they s/b saying appx 5-10 words. I wouldn't wory about it too much, All of the sudden they will have a word explosive & you won't be able to shut them up... LOL
Hi D.,
I watch a little boy who is almost 13 months and the same thing with him. He repeats ma-ma, da-da, ba-ba, but thats it. He really doesn't say them to reference anything, just likes repeating them. He does everything else that he is supposed to developmentally. He also waves hi and bye. I think some kids just take alot longer to speak. As long as she is understanding you, then I think its fine. Like another mom mentioned, enjoy the peace and quiet for awhile, once they start talking, the questions never end! =)
My first son who is now 3, said nothing but ma ma and da da at 18 months. Being that he was my first baby and all my friends children were speaking at least 30-50 words I enrolled him in speech therapy. He attended the therapy for over a month and still no speech so I stopped it. By the time he turned 2 he was talking and now he won't shut up. My second son will turn 19 months tomorrow and he only says da da. This time I am not freaking out.I believe when they want to talk they will. He too understands when you point to body parts and when he wants something he knows so I believe it is just a matter of time. For now I am enjoying the quite because I know before long he will be talking. All kids develope differently and at different times. Relax your little one will be talking before you know it.
Is she working on walking? Lots of times babies can only concentrate on one thing at a time. So usually they'll not do much language development until after they've finished with the major physical development. Personally, I wouldn't worry much about it at this point - especially if she's still working at crawling/cruising/walking. Sounds like her hearing is fine and she can talk, she's just got other things to worry about for now.
Since, you mentioned a developmental specialist I am assuming you have seeked help. My daughter had health problems that aided in late speech. She had home therapy from a developmental therapist and a speech therapist. Both made a huge differnence. I have witnessed this with other children too since I work in the field. I strongly suggest you seek athe help of a speech therapist. It may be that your daughter does not need the services long-term but you will never regreat getting the help. One can never be to proactive when it comes to our children. She is probally just taking her time but the help can never hurt you or your daughter........Tons of luck, G.
Hi D.,
Every child develops at different times. I remember with my first child, at one point (maybe at his 2 yr appt) the dr said that he was supposed to have something like 100 words and he was nowhere NEAR that!). Today he's 4 and never stops talking!
I think its excellent that she knows how to point to her body parts!
Now my 16 month old has a handful of words but they really all sound quite similar and you really have to listen to the inflection of his voice to determine what he is saying.
I agree with the other mom, start out with simple words: cup, ball, baby, book, up, down. Talk to her about what you are doing. "we're going to eat now, do you want your CUP?" Over emphasize some words if you want "B-B-B-Ballllllll!"
Don't stress. She'll get there, she really will!!
B.
If she's saying Mama in reference to you or baba in reference to her bottle, then those are her first words. If you want her to start talking more, start with easy "baby" words. Baba for bottle and such. If there's something she's after pick it up and say the name of it then ask her to say, try this a few times until she either says it, if she doesn't after a few tries tell her no and put the item down out of reach. If it's something she does need had it to her while saying it's name. Like her cup at dinner. With my 17 month old we're working on consistency, getting her to use her words all the time for things. At 17 months she has "up, cookie, cup, kitty", yes(nod), no(shake), eat(sign language). Her words don't sound exactly like adult words but they are close enough and with the action or item close by I can definetly tell she's saying the right thing.
Good luck!
